To change oil filter without letting it empty everywhere....

Every time I change the oil in my 2000 Sienna I make a miserable mess with the oil that spills out of the filter being removed.



I've blanketed the engine compartment with newspaper. I've tried packing the area under the filter with paper towels. And I can go on about stupid sounding things I've tried not to let the used oil flow everywhere. Once it worked, but couldn't replicate method.



Am I missing something on how to do a "clean" oil change?

Reply 1 : To change oil filter without letting it empty everywhere....

Use a towel, like a bath towel but smaller under the filter. Any extra oil that runs down the to the right (as you face the engine) can be wiped off the frame and exhaust pipes by climbing underneath. I jack it up a little and do the best I can. After an oil change you can stick a piece of cardboard under there to catch any drips. Siennas are a pain yes, but I've done way worse!

Reply 2 : To change oil filter without letting it empty everywhere....

What your are seeing is normal for when a oil filter is mounted sideways or mount end down.

I put the front end up on ramps so that I can get under the vehicle, and that may make it worse by letting the oil flow down the front of the engine block, and then back along the bottom.

As mentioned, putting a towel against the block against the bottom of the filter helps, but it is still a messy job.

Reply 3 : To change oil filter without letting it empty everywhere....

I save large pieces of cardboard and put it under the van and center my oil pan under the filter and loosen and spin it off quickly, turning it upright so as little oil as possible spills...

Reply 4 : To change oil filter without letting it empty everywhere....

I drive the front passenger wheel onto what's the equivalent of a high curb in the driveway, place a sheet of cardboard under the car, pack some paper towels under the filter and around the area, place some newspaper over the radiator and surrounding area because somehow I used to get oil drips on the radiator, don the latex gloves, spin it enough just to loosen without leaking, remove the filter wrench, then take a deep breath and spin fast as I can and tilt it upwards as soon as I can.



Angling the car like that directs any flow from leaks in a good direction, although I don't think it allows the last drops of oil to drain from the pan.



Thought I was nuts and doing something wrong going through all that -- guess not.



Do commercial shops also make a mess and just clean it?

Reply 5 : To change oil filter without letting it empty everywhere....

Most shops do the job and just park it out on their lots, so most of the drips will occur there. Some may run them up on the lift and wipe them down.

Reply 6 : To change oil filter without letting it empty everywhere....

First I want to tell you about my other car. It has a little funnel under the filter. All of the oil that comes out while changing the filter runs down the funnel and into the pan.



The Sienna isn't that cool. It runs all down the front. Goes all over the front motor mount. It gets all over the radiator support. It makes a big old mess no matter how fast you get it out. I've changed it hot and cold. It's tricky as hell to change it hot with that huge manifold pipe right there.



I have a large pan that I put under when I change it. I put it long ways when the oil runs out. Then I plug it back up and turn the pan side ways. I change the filter and the oil get everywhere. Then I break out the trusty brake cleaner and spray everything down. Problem solved.



I hate how oil get all over that expensive motor mount. It's one of the easiest to change but it's the most expensive of the five.

Reply 7 : To change oil filter without letting it empty everywhere....

I'm about to do an oil change again, and wanting to stick with the OEM filter, see that the number has (again) changed.



Am ready to go with a 90915-YZZD1 but have been getting different country of origin and numbers from the dealer.



What's the preferable OEM filter number to use for a 2000 Sienna?

Reply 8 : To change oil filter without letting it empty everywhere....

I don't know that right at the moment, but call any local auto parts store and see if any of them carry WIX or HASTINGS. They have long considered to be nearly the best out there. Believe me, the dealer filters usually are not the best quality as you may think.